Chapter 20 - practice

BPOV

To say I was intimidated was an understatement. Three beautiful single vampire women, with hundreds of years of experience. Both of being a vampire and of being a woman. And here I was a newly turned little girl. I had never felt smaller in my life. I was glad Edward had immediately claimed me in front of Tanya, but it still gave my self esteem a hit to have seen tanya sashaying over to Edward with what could only have been a seductive smile. Edward had immediately pulled me to his side and introduced me as his Bella. His. My heart had done a little flip.

As we had walked into the house I had felt a little bit better, but then I'd seen the entire Denali clan and I had been on edge again. It was a lot to take in.

Especially Tanya, Kate and Irina together. They were beautiful.

Carmen and Eleazar were imposing, as well. But Carmen somehow managed to make me feel welcome in their home. She reminded me of Esme. Her motherly love was evident in everything she did.

Irina had almost made things go sour. But after sharing my story and Tanya and Kate talking to her it seemed even that would turn out okay.

So now I was sitting on the couch, surrounded by all these vampires, all focussed on me. As I said, how could I not be intimidated?

Edward noticed my discomfort and tried to soothe me by rubbing soothing circles on the back of my hand with his thumb.

'Perhaps we should take a break for a few moments.' Edward suggested, feeling my tension grow. 'I'm sure everyone would like a moment to process everything.'

'Yes, and I could use a shower.' Rosalie added quickly after catching Edward's eye. I frowned at that. Edward and Rosalie had never been fast friends.

'Of course.' Carmen quickly agreed. 'Your rooms are ready.' She assured us. 'I'm sure you can show Bella the way?' she directed at Edward, who smiled and nodded.

I was glad I wouldn't have to be on my own, but a small part of me also worried. Was I ready yet to share his room? Back home we had spent time together in the cabin, but that had been primarily physical. At the house we had still kept our own rooms and I had used mine as a place to retreat and be alone to think about everything. If I shared a room with him now… would I be able to keep my hormones in check?

Everyone got to their feet and Edward grabbed my hand as he started leading me down the stairs. The guest rooms were on the other side of the house from the rooms the Denali's occupied. I was glad there would be some space between us.

Edward stopped at the first door on the left of the hallway. He opened the door and pulled me inside. A small gasp left my lips. The room was lovely. It was modern, like the rest of the interior, but homely at the same time. There was a large king size bed against the right wall. Beside it were two bedstands with a light on it. Above the headboard was a lovely piece of art, swirling colours blended into one another in a mesmerizing way. There was a small sitting area with two lovely red velvet chairs a wooden endtable inbetween them with a small orchid on it. It was light and airy and spacious. I walked over to the small window opposite the door. It was a small round window that let enough light it to make it feel as we were aboveground, instead of under it. But it was small enough to give us enough privacy. There was another door on the left wall and assumed that was a bathroom.

Edward walked over then. 'Are you okay?' he whispered softly. He made no moves to touch me, and left a large enough distance between us for me to stay comfortable.

I gave a small nod. 'It's a bit overwhelming.' I mumbled. He nodded understandably.

'Do you feel comfortable enough?' he asked. I frowned at his question, wondering what he meant. 'We can still go, if you want.' He continued.

It clicked then. He was still worried I was uncomfortable around Irina and Tanya. I shook my head. 'No. that's fine. It was tense, but I think it'll be fine. Especially if I get to know them a bit better.'

He nodded. 'Alright, just promise me to keep talking to me.' he stressed. I nodded and smiled at him. he let out a breath. 'Thank you.'

We remained silent for a moment.

'I'll let you take a shower, I'm sure you could use it to wind down a bit. I'll just be upstairs.' He said after a moment.

I nodded gratefully. A shower did sound very nice right about now. The water would help calm me down. Plus I was sure I looked disshevelled after that flight and ride in the car full of stress. Making sure I looked my best would help my self esteem with the other Denali women.

Edward pointed towards a chest of drawers. 'The suitcases have already been unpacked, I believe Alice put everything of yours in there.'

'Thanks.' I smiled at him. He nodded once and then quickly left the room.

I went to the closet and pulled open the drawers to find my things. I looked through them for a moment, wallowing in the fact that I had brought my old and comfortable stuff, nothing sexy or anything. I groaned inwardly, silently cursing myself for not letting Alice pack my bag this once. Then my hands bumped into something hard. I frowned. I pushed away a sweater and picked up a flat box. My name was scrawled on it. I grinned to myself. Could it be? I opened the lid and could have jumped for joy. Alice. I promised myself I would find a way to thank her for this.

My phone buzzed in my pocket and I flipped it open. A text.

You're welcome :)

I read from the screen and smiled to myself. Alice.

I took the clothes from the box and put them on the bed. Then I grabbed a bra and matching panties and headed to the shower. I took my time washing myself and conditioning my hair. It felt nice to just stand in the shower and let the water encase me and transport me to a different place. The nerves were starting to fade and by the time I shut the water off I was feeling better than I had the entire previous day. I quickly dried myself off and put on my clothes.

I looked at myself in the mirror for a moment. I looked good. Alice had brought me a pair of black leggings, which clung to my thighs perfectly, and a dark blue off the shoulder sweater. It was incredibly soft to the touch and I resisted the urge to pet myself. It was loose, yet tight in all the right places. It was slightly longer than a regular sweater, and settled just below my ass. One shoulder was bare and my black bra strap was showing prominently. For a moment I wondered if alice had meant for me to go without a bra. But then I shrugged. I wasn't planning on swinging free around these perfect people. No thank you.

I grabbed my make up bag and added a bit of eye liner and masacara. I yanked a brush through my hair and quickly blow dried it. As it dried it returned to its natural wavy state and fell down my shoulders gracefully. I smiled at it. This was definitely one of the perks of becoming a vampire. No more bad hair days.

I slipped my feet into a pair of ballet flats and then headed out the door. I took a deep breath as I started up the stairs to the living room again. The nerves which had all but faded a few moments ago, were back full force. There was some muted chatter coming from the living room and I mentally steeled myself.

'Hi' Rose came up behind me. 'Scared?' she asked in a whisper.

I shook my head. 'No. Just… a bit intimidated.' I confessed.

Rose smiled understandingly. 'You're doing great. Everyone understands what you're going through. If you need some space, just take it. Don't worry about anyone's feelings, but your own.'

'Thanks Rose.' I said, smiling at her. She gave my hand a small squeeze and pulled me along.

We headed to the couch where Carmen and Eleazar and Kate were gathered. I looked around but no one else was there. I frowned. Where was Edward? Rosalie smiled at the vampires in front of us and sat down as well.

'Did you have a nice shower?' Carmen asked Rosalie.

'Yeah, it's always nice to get that transport yucky feeling off of you.' she said.

Carmen nodded and her eyes swung to me. 'Won't you join us Bella?' she asked kindly. I realized I was still standing awkwardly slightly behind the couch and quickly shook myself.

'Yes, of course.' I said. I went over and sat down next to Rosalie who gave me an encouraging smile.

'So Bella, can I ask you about your gift?' Eleazar asked.

'Uh, I guess…' I was unsure what I would be able to tell him.

'Carlisle asked me about it when he called, but I haven't ever seen one.' He started. 'When did it manifest?'

'I'm not sure exactly. When I was human Edward couldn't read my mind, but I'm not sure when it developed, I never noticed it.'

Carmen looked at me with surprise. 'That powerful?'

'I never would have thought it possible.' Edward's voice came from behind me. I whipped my head around and he smiled at me. 'But there she was, human, and completely silent. Drove me insane.' He added jokingly.

He had come in through the frontdoor it seemed, had he gone somewhere? Then Tanya stepped inside as well and I swallowed hard. Why would they have gone out together? Tanya gave me a smile, but it was a genuine one, not a gloating one and I mentally chastised myself for jumping to conclusions. I had to stop doing this to myself. So I shook my head and then turned back to Eleazar, who was speaking again.

'I can imagine.' Eleazar smiled at Edward.

'No, I'm the only one with a mental ability.' Edward answered some unspoken thought of Eleazar's, who nodded. 'He was wondering if we tested your abilities as a human.' Edward explained.

'It would have been interesting to see how strong it was then compared to now. But to fully block you as a human it must have already been pretty strong.'

'We were hoping you'd know more about it, actually.' Edward said.

'What do you want to know?' Eleazar asked me.

'Can I project it?' I asked immediately.

Eleazar thought about it for a moment. 'I think so. Perhaps not at first. It will probably take some training to really expand it. But it should be possible. Shields are usually flexible.'

'Is there a way to train it?' I asked. 'I've been trying on my own to get it to expand, but I'm getting nowhere.'

'I'm not sure if there is one definitive way. But usually practice is all it takes.'

'Perhaps I can help with that.' Kate suggested.

Edward gave a small sound but then quickly caught himself. I threw him a questioning look but he smiled at me.

'What do you mean?' I asked Kate.

'Well, you've only had to block Edward so far. Let's try it out with something else.'

'What?' I asked.

'Do you know my gift Bella?'

I shook my head. I know Carlisle and Edward though that Kate could help me practice, but they hadn't mentioned her gift.

She held up her hand. 'I can create a shocking sensation in others. It used to be just my hands that transferred the sensation, but these days I can project it over my entire body and increase the amp.'

'Shocking?' I stared at her hands.

'It feels like electricity shooting through you. If I dial it down, it feels like a tingle. If I amp it up it can knock down even the thoughest vampires.'

My eyes widened. 'And you want to try out if my shield works against you?' She nodded a gleeful smile on her face. I took a deep breath then nodded. 'Alright.'

Kate stretched out a hand towards me and I did the same. She smiled encouragingly as I stared at her hand with apprehension. Then she suddenly grabbed me.

I let out a startled yelp, waiting for the pain. But it never came. Edward let out a relieved sigh.

'Well, it seems she's blocking you.' Rosalie observed. Kate nodded and focussed on our hands. I saw Edward wince out of the corner of my eye but I still felt nothing.

'Alright, now I'm going to give you everything I have, alright?' Kate asked. I nodded. I was pretty sure I was safe. I had a feeling my shield didn't work in gradations. Either it blocked or it didn't. Edward winced again, but I still felt nothing.

'This is amazing.' Eleazar remarked. Full immunity from everything mental. This is a great gift.'

I would have blushed if I had still been able. 'Do you think I can train it?' I asked both Eleazar and Kate.

They both nodded. 'Yes I think you will be able to project it.' Eleazar said.

'I think you just need to find the right method.' Kate looked thoughtful for a moment. Then she smiled.

'Ask her.' Edward said curtly, answering yet another unspoken thought or question.

'I was just about to.' Kate said rolling her eyes. I turned to Kate expectantly. 'I was thinking.' She started eyeing Edward as she did. 'Perhaps you need a stimulant.'

'What?'

'Something to push you into projecting your shield. Just blocking thoughts isn't enough of an incentive.'

'Wait… what?' I was confused. But Kate was grinning at me.

'Let's go outside.' Kate suggested. I frowned but nodded and we headed out the doors.

The rest followed us. To my surprise the rest of the family was also outside, sitting on the lougeset.

'Hi.' I greeted them, slightly surprised I hadn't noticed them earlier. They smiled and greeted me back. Irina, I noticed, was still missing.

'So you're going to train then?' Emmett asked, an excited twinkle in his eye.

'Yes.' I said. Although I was still a bit unsure what kate had in mind.

'Cool, learn fast, would you? I can't wait to fight Edward without his cheating.' He grinned at Edward over my head and started laughing.

'I'll try.' I said, throwing a mischievous smile over my shoulder as well. That made everyone crack up, including Edward.

'Alright, let's see. Emmett, since you're so eager for Bella to learn this, perhaps you can help?' Kate asked sweetly. Emmett turned to look at her, a puzzled expression on his face. Kate was looking at Rosalie, a silent question in her eyes. Rosalie shrugged. Kate smiled at her.

Emmett looked between them for a moment and then smiled as he got up and walked over to Kate, who was standing on the lawn.

'Bella, would you join us please?' Kate asked sweetly. I hesitantly stepped over and joined them on the grass.

'Okay, Emmett stretch out your hand.' She asked Emmett, who complied. 'Now, Bella. Place your hand on his other arm.'

I did as she asked. Emmett was looking a bit like he regretted saying yes now.

'I'm going to shock him, Bella. You need to protect him.' Kate announced, grinning happily at both Emmett and me.

Emmett's eyebrows shot up and he quickly withdrew his hand. 'Now, hold up one minute.' He said, taking a step back.

'I won't give you a lot, just a little shock.' Kate assured him.

'Come on, Emmett. This will help bella learn.' Rosalie said, smiling at him sweetly. He glanced back at her and groaned. But he did stretch his hand back out towards Kate.

'No!' I yelled. 'No, there has to be some other way!' I pleaded desperately. I knew I wasn't able to stretch my shield yet. Emmett would be hurt because of it and I didn't want that.

'It's alright Bella.' Emmett quickly assured me. 'I don't mind. As long as she keeps it low.' He said, looking back at Kate, who nodded and smiled.

'Come on Bella. Shield.' Kate ordered me. She stretched out her hand and touched the back of Emmett's hand.

He hissed and shuddered and I let out a desperate yelp. I closed my eyes and put both my hands on emmett's arm, desperately trying to push my shield around him. I was panting hard yet Emmett was still shuddering from Kate's onslaught.

'Please! I'm trying!' I yelled out.

'Try harder, Bella.' Kate said.

I did. I pushed with all my might, trying to get my invisible shield to stretch from my mind. But it was useless. I didn't know what I was pushing. There was nothing there. I grit my teeth and grabbed Emmett's arm tighter. He gave a small grunt and somewhere in the back of my mind I was aware I had to be careful. I loosened my grip a bit and planted my feet. Then I grit my teeth and pushed with everything I had in my mind. I struggled and struggled until finally I felt something. It felt elastic and whimsical and I didn't have a firm grasp on it at all, but somehow I realized it was my shield. I pushed against it and it's elastic barrier struggled against me. I pushed harder and harder and inch by inch it seemed to creep out over Emmett.

Finally I heard his sigh. 'I don't feel it!' He exclaimed happily. He jolted under my hands and it broke my concentration. My shield snapped back and I fell down to the floor. Emmett did as well with a groan of pain and suddenly everyone was around us.

'Are you okay?' Rosalie asked Emmett. Then she turned to Kate. 'You said you were doing a low voltage.'

Kate held up her hands. 'Sorry, when Bella had him shielded I upped it, trying to see if there was a limit to her protection. I should have kept a closer watch on it.' She said looking guilty at Emmett. 'Sorry for hurting you.'

He sat up, rubbing his hand. 'It's alright. At least it worked for a little while.'

'Are you okay Bella?' Edward asked, he was crouched beside me and rubbing soothing circles on my back.

'I'm sorry, Emmett.' I said, panting hard. It felt like I had been hit with a sledgehammer.

'It's okay. I'm fine.' He said, giving me a smile.

Edward was still looking at me anxiously so I turned to him and smiled. 'I'm fine.' I assured him. 'Just a bit tired. It's hard to push it out. It felt like an elastic or something. It felt like it kept slipping from my grasp. It was so hard to keep it around Emmett.'

'But it worked.' Kate said smiling at me.

'For a few seconds.' I grumbled.

'Just keep practicing Bella. It will become easier eventually.' Kate assured me.

I wasn't so sure. That elastic feeling wasn't something that was easy to take hold of. I had a feeling it would always stay slippery and just out of reach.

'Let's take a break.' Rosalie suggested. I smiled at her and nodded. 'Do you want to hunt?'

I stood up and dusted off my clothes. 'Sure.' I nodded.

Edward smiled at me and sat down on one of the chairs, talking quietly with Jasper. T

anya stepped over. 'Can I join you?' She asked softly.

I swallowed but then nodded. The three of us set off towards the woods. This should be interesting I thought to myself.